Fall Paralegal Internship

Full-time

No

Child Protection

The Child Protection Section is dedicated to protecting the children of the State of Connecticut from abuse and neglect and to safeguard their welfare. The section represents the Department of Children and Families (DCF) in thousands of juvenile court civil cases in the interest of children who have been abused and neglected, striving to secure their placement in temporary, long-term or permanent, safe and nurturing homes. OAG attorneys represent DCF in proceedings and trials that may remove a child or children from the parent/parents on a temporary basis, on a long-term basis (commitment to the Commissioner of DCF) or on a permanent basis (termination of parental rights); other cases involve the continued placement of a child in the care and custody of the DCF against the desires of a parent/parents. This section also defends child protection appeals before the Connecticut Appellate and Supreme Courts. Because child protection cases are expedited, it is quite possible that an intern can assist and follow a case from preparation through trial, and sometimes to the decision delivered by the court. Interns have opportunities to participate in all phases of litigation with the exception of depositions, which are infrequent. Students may be asked to review documents; summarize records of the client agency or community service providers; assist in identifying and securing the appearance of witnesses at trial through subpoenas to be served to potential witnesses; review DCF permanency plans before they are filed with the court, and conduct legal research for appeals. Legal interns who are certified pursuant to Connecticut Practice Book §3-18, may appear in court and handle a case under the supervision of an attorney. The section is based at 110 Sherman Street in Hartford with offices in New Haven, Bridgeport, Waterbury and several other cities. Who should apply: Law students who are interested in litigation and appellate practice and who have demonstrated proficiency in legal writing and research. Some background in civil proceedings and evidence is preferred, but not required. Priority will be given to more experienced students. We will also accept applications from undergraduate and paralegal students if work is available.


Thank you for your interest in an internship with the Office of the Attorney General (OAG). The Attorney General serves as Connecticut’s chief legal officer for civil matters, and the OAG serves as legal counsel to all state agencies. The Connecticut Constitution, statutes and common law authorize the Attorney General to advance the public interest on behalf of the people of our state in legal matters.

Qualification and Experience Internships are unpaid, volunteer positions open to graduate and paralegal, undergraduate, and highly motivated high-school students. Accepted applicants may arrange externships with their schools for course credit for their work in the Office. Positions are also available for work-study students with school stipends. Applicants should have an interest in the law, be able to communicate clearly, have strong research and writing skills and computer proficiency.

Legal